Jamalgota for Hair Growth: A Miraculous Ayurvedic Remedy (2025)

Nowadays, everyone is struggling with hair loss. Whether it’s stress, pollution, or the products we use, many things can damage our hair. In such a situation, Jamalgota can help strengthen your hair from the roots for hair growth.

While markets and online stores are flooded with expensive shampoos and chemical treatments, a unique natural remedy, Jamalgota, also known as Croton Tiglium, is gaining popularity in traditional circles.

People want to know:

• Is it safe?
• Is there any real proof? to grow hair naturally

So, in this article, let’s explore the potential of Jamalgota for hair growth.

What is Jamalgota?

Jamalgota, also called purging croton, is known botanically as Croton Tiglium. It is a powerful seed used in Ayurveda for detoxification and purgation. Its oil is highly pungent and irritating to the skin, so it is usually used with caution.

In Ayurvedic practices, Jamalgota is sometimes mentioned for its warming and stimulating properties. which are believed to enhance local blood circulation and potentially support scalp health. However, there is limited scientific evidence to confirm its direct role in hair follicle rejuvenation.

Source of Jmalgota Seeds

Jamalgota is available as seeds that resemble castor seeds. It grows as a small shrub (15-20 feet high) and is widely found in the Northeast and the South Indian subcontinent.

• The plant has 2-4 inch long leaves, finely veined, and greenish-yellow unisexual flowers.
• Its fruit is about 1 inch in diameter, white in color, round, and has three distinct veins.

Jamalgota is considered pungent, dry, heavy, and acrid. Various parts of the plant, including its seeds, leaves, roots, outer bark, and especially the seed oil, are used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it is also used as a powerful laxative to treat constipation after detoxification, often by mixing its seeds with cow’s milk. It is also used externally to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Caution is necessary, however, as its seeds are poisonous and contain a compound called croton, which can cause blood clots and severe poisoning if consumed raw or in large quantities.

Common Names of Jamalgota

Various local names like

• Jamalgota in Hindi,
• Jayapala in Bengali,
• Nepalo or Jamala gota in Gujarati,
• Japala in Kannada,
• Nirvalam in Malayalam,
• Narchalam in Tamil,
• Japolota in Punjabi,
• Nepalamu, known in Telugu as Jamalgota.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses of Jamalgota Seeds

1. Used as a strong laxative

In Ayurveda, Jamalgota is known for its intense laxative (virechana) effect. It is mainly used for the treatment of:

• Severe constipation
• Digestive sluggishness
• Ama (toxin build-up in the intestines)

This herb stimulates the lining of the digestive tract, leading to firm bowel movements that help expel toxins and stools. However, due to its high potency, only microdoses are used, and these are purified through proper purification (shodhana).

Important Note: Raw Jamalgota seeds are poisonous. Never consume or use them without proper Ayurvedic processing and medical supervision.

2. Detoxification through Panchakarma

In Ayurvedic cleansing treatments, especially panchakarma, jamalgota is often used in a specific method called virechan, which is a controlled cleansing process.

This method is designed to

• Cleanse the liver and gallbladder
• Drain accumulated pitta doshas
• Support healthy skin and hormonal function

Doctors may use it to help manage

• Chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis
• Liver imbalances
• Hormonal issues related to gut-liver health

3. Anti-Parasitic Action

In traditional medicine, jamalgota is also used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.

Its bitter, pungent nature makes it effective in

• Removing helminths (parasitic worms)
• Reducing inflammation and poor absorption associated with parasites

However, like its laxative effect, dosage and timing are crucial, and it should always be used under the guidance of an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.

4. Use on Joints and Skin (for External use only)

Due to its “ushna” (hot potency) and penetrating nature, diluted Jamalgota oil is traditionally applied for the management of:

• Rheumatic joint pain
• Inflammation
• Certain chronic skin conditions, such as scaly patches or local infections

  Undiluted oil can cause blisters or severe skin irritation. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as sesame, olive, or pure coconut oil, and apply only as directed by a physician.  

Chemical Constituents of Croton tiglium

The Croton genus, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, includes about 1,300 species (recorded between 2006 and 2018). Many species have been traditionally used in folk medicine. During this period, researchers discovered 399 new compounds, including 339 diterpenoids. [1]

 The main compounds found in Croton species are diterpenoids. These compounds exhibit a variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity (elimination of cancer cells), anti-inflammatory activity, antifungal activity, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzymes, and promotion of growth.  

Several species of this genus, such as C. tiglium and C. crassifolius, etc., are used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal inflammation, arthritis, peptic ulcers, and internal pain (Wu, 1991). [2]

List of the 399 chemical compounds with their biological sources and molecular names.

See 399 Chemical Constituents

Mechanism of Action (Irritation-Driven Regeneration?)

Croton oil, extracted from the seeds of jamalgota, is rich in active compounds, such as phorbol esters, which can cause mild skin irritation and inflammation. This reaction stimulates the growth of hair cells (keratinocytes and dermal papillae) by increasing blood flow.

The phorbol esters in croton oil irritate the skin, activating inflammation and the p38-MAPK pathway, which may stimulate wound healing and potentially hair follicle regeneration. [3]

Also read: Natural Remedies for Hair Loss.

In controlled laboratory conditions, mild irritation may help hair regrowth, just as chemical peels stimulate skin regrowth. But this method is risky and not considered optimal.

Toxicity & Precautions of Jamalgota Seeds

Croton oil is powerful and may be carcinogenic. Research has shown that some of its components promote tumors. [4] Purifying it with traditional methods, such as cow’s milk, reduces the harmful amount to some extent, but it is not completely safe. [5] Applying it may cause skin irritation, blisters, or discoloration, especially when used in large quantities.

Never use raw seeds or undiluted oil. Always consult an Ayurvedic expert for safe use.

Evidence from Preclinical Studies

A 2023 study found that when croton oil was combined with olive and coconut oil and applied to rats for 21 days, hair length and density increased. [6] This effect was likely due to mild inflammation that activates hair follicles. However, its impact on humans has not yet been proven.

An Animal Study or Case Report

Modern research has discovered that Jamalgota oil can actually help hair grow. In an animal study, scientists took oil from croton seeds (jamalgota) and made three different lotions to treat hair loss.

The lotions were

1. Pure jamalgota oil
2. Jamalgota mixed with olive oil
3. Jamalgota mixed with coconut oil.

When tested on mice with hair loss, all three helped hair grow back significantly. The mix with coconut oil worked the best. It showed the fastest and thickest hair regrowth, performing nearly as well as a standard medical treatment (2% minoxidil).

This tells us that Jamaigota oil is especially effective when blended with a nourishing oil, such as coconut oil. It may wake up hair follicles and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth. While it’s been used historically for other health purposes, this study opens the door to the safe and effective use of jamalgota as a topical treatment for hair restoration.

Read a complete report of Croton oil formulas for hair growth potential

Comparison with Other Herbal Remedies (Bhringraj, Brahmi, Rosemary)

References:

Chemical Constituents from Croton Species and Their Biological Activities.

Study on chemical constituents of seeds of Croton tiglium and their cytotoxicities

Bioactive constituents from the leaves of Croton tiglium

FAQ’s

Q1. Can Jamalgota be used directly on the scalp?

No. Raw Jamalgota oil is toxic and can irritate the skin. Always use it diluted and under professional guidance.

Q2. Are there clinical trials that prove Jamalgota helps hair growth?

Only preclinical (rat-based) studies exist. No official human trials have yet supported its effectiveness.

Q3. What is a safe alternative to Jamalgota for hair regrowth?

Bhringaraj, rosemary, and Brahmi have stronger supporting data and safe topical use.